TRD Pro Grille sensor cover question...

I'm in the middle of a long road trip and once I got to a stop I noticed the front sensor cover is missing. I would hate to think someone stole it but can't imagine how it would or could just fall off. Well my question is how necessary is that cover?? can I continue on without one as look as I'm not getting any error codes or messages? I'll replace it once I get back home but wondering what I'm up against.

Thanks in advance!!

 

A picture of it would help. IIRC, and I could be totally wrong, the cover has a laminate on it, right? If it's just the laminate I'd say your fine as the primary backing would still protect the sensor from debris, and I don't know the odds of a rock or something hitting it anyway. I don't think it should be a ton more susceptible to weather, though. I could be wrong. Just my thoughts.

 

Did you install the acrylic cover with the push clips?

 

Here is a pic of the grille less the cover.... hope it helps... and yes... I did put on those little retaining washers...

 

Your sensor garnish broke off... or more likely been torn off. Was it the OEM one or an aftermarket?

 

Was OEM... from Sparks.. I installed it.. . I notice on the pic the little indentation above where the cover goes.. almost like a screwdriver to pry it out... or maybe a rock hit is there... hate to think someone stole it...

My question is .... would it be ok to drive without the cover... I think if I try to cover it I will get errors...

 

Oh damn. That thing is completely gone. Only way I can see that happening is theft, as you stated, or a helluva focused impact that shattered it. The impact I would think is highly unlikely. Some asshat probably decided they needed it more than you. Looks like damage from a pry tool above it.

To the point of driving with it, you can cover it and you'll get errors, but nothing that will affect the ability to drive. Just the safety systems and radar cruise.

 

That's definitely screwdriver marks. That sucks man.

The cover is useless though unless if they find a way to epoxy it to the grille. Then again, that's fucked up.

 

Yeah thanks... I think I would have noticed if it was a rock that hit it as I drove... I really don't use the cruise as I drive so not a concern.. just don't want to have issue with the radar and my ability to drive it... Thanks for the response!

 

Probably a dirtbag that'll ebay it for a hundred bucks and screw the buyer too. People suck.

 

Nah, if it's covered it will just disable the things that the radar does in order to maintain drivability. You can still use normal cruise as well if you need too. Just hold the button to turn on cruise instead of tapping it, and it will activate non radar cruise. After that it works like the old school stuff.

 

Think I'll have to superglue the next one on.... that or drill some little holes in those tabs so it won't come off from the outside... I only have another 1,000 or so miles to go so hopefully no rocks jump up and hit the sensor..

 

That'll fucking blow. They're just trying to find some easy cash. That's in Oregon too, I wonder what it is like now in CA with rigs and lights getting stolen.

 

I'm in California...

 

Well @pvn.beluga that's your answer!

 

Cover it with packing tape until you get a new cover.

 

If you don't want to spend big money on a new cover I would try getting a piece of thin plexiglass and put window tint on it and glue it in.

 

Packing tape is a good idea just to protect it.. maybe two strips stuck together then tape it on... don't want that stick stuff on the radar lens. I'll spend the $300 to get a replacement ... but I'll install it so it won't come out again... thanks for the tip.

 

Lol! I still have family in San Jose, but now reside in Connecticut for the past 2 years. Don't miss too much from Cali aside from all the mexican spots in the Bay Area ...

 

Try kydex.

 

You can get one from Amazon. Pry the front acrylic face plate from the back plate. It’s just attached with double sided tape. I used a 3 inch paint scraper. Be careful not to scrape the acrylic side. Trace the sensor on to the back of the back plate and cut it with a dremel. 3m industrial double sided tape to reattach it.

Grille Sensor Cover,Fit for Tundra 2017-2020 Radar Sensor Cover, Front Grille Garnish Radar Sensor Cover Refitment

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08ZHRPXY3?ie=UTF8